How Long Does a Security of Payment Claim Take?

“How long will this take?” is one of the first questions subcontractors ask when considering a Security of Payment claim. The answer depends on which state you’re in and how the head contractor responds — but the Security of Payment process is specifically designed to be fast. Here’s a realistic timeline for what to expect.

The Short Answer

From serving a payment claim to receiving a determination: typically 3–6 weeks. If the head contractor pays after receiving the payment claim (without needing adjudication), often faster — sometimes within 15 business days.

The Timeline, Step by Step

Day 1: Payment Claim Served

Your payment claim is served on the head contractor. This starts the clock. The claim can be served any time on or after the reference date in your contract.

Days 2–10 (or 2–15 in QLD): Payment Schedule Deadline

The head contractor has a set number of business days to respond with a payment schedule:

• NSW, VIC, SA, TAS, ACT: 10 business days
• QLD: 15 business days
• WA: 14 calendar days
• NT: 14 calendar days

Three things can happen at this stage:

1. They pay the full amount — done, no adjudication needed
2. They issue a payment schedule accepting part of the claim — you may receive partial payment and proceed to adjudication for the balance
3. They issue a payment schedule disputing the full amount — you proceed to adjudication
4. They do nothing — the full amount is owed and you can apply for adjudication or court enforcement

Days 10–20: Adjudication Application Lodged

If the claim is disputed, you have a short window to lodge an adjudication application:

• NSW, VIC, SA, TAS, ACT: 10 business days from receiving the payment schedule
• QLD: 30 business days from payment schedule (or due date)
• WA, NT: 28 days from the payment response (or when it was due)

Days 20–35: Adjudication Decision

After the adjudicator accepts the application, they have a set time to make a determination:

• Most states: 10 business days (can be extended by agreement)
• WA: 14 days

Days 35–40: Payment (or Enforcement)

If the adjudicator determines in your favour, the head contractor typically has a short period to pay. If they don’t, you can register the determination as a court judgment and pursue enforcement.

What Speeds Up or Slows Down a Claim?

Factors that speed things up:

• Clear, well-documented claim with strong evidence
• Head contractor who responds quickly (even if disputing)
• Adjudicator who acts promptly within their timeframe

Factors that slow things down:

• Complex disputes requiring extensive documentary evidence
• Extended adjudication timeframes (agreed between parties)
• Enforcement required after a non-paying head contractor

PayClaim’s Typical Outcome Timeline

Most PayClaim clients receive payment — or a favourable adjudication determination — within 10–20 business days of starting their claim. Many head contractors pay promptly upon receiving a formal payment claim, before adjudication is even necessary. Start your free claim today and find out how quickly we can get you paid.

Owed money? You can start your Letter of Demand here — see the whole letter free, then a flat $69 to issue it. PayClaim is not a law firm; payment outcomes are not guaranteed.